The annual duck chase has been going on for some weeks now, with the males of all the dabbling species being swamped by raging hormones. They are all looking at their finest at this time of year and they endeavour to form a strong pair bond with a female while they are at their fittest before the potentially long flight back to foreign climes.
Some may stay in the UK and even linger locally but the drive to secure a female is fierce and the Chase becomes an integral part of their daily routine. Mallard and Gadwall seem to be especially up for this element of the game with sometimes a dozen amorous males careening around after a hapless female....
I reckon Mrs Gadwall is telling them to 'od off and leave her alone! (Trevor Oakley)
3-3-14
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer